Electrical Plans

Electrical Plans
Displays all of the circuits and systems to be used
by the electrical contractor during installation
Items to show on plans

all outlets
all light fixtures connected to switches
all switches connected to light fixtures
all miscellaneous and low voltage items
no connection necessary with low voltage items

power panel and electrical meter

Electrical Plans
Methods used to show electrical systems on drawings

Use
for
cl

ass

1 Add-on existing plans along with all other symbols, information, a

dimensions
common practice on simple floor plans
eliminates extra sheets and simplifies working drawings
sometimes makes drawings difficult to read

2 Separate sheets for electrical information

common practice on complex floor plans

separates electrical information from other drawing data
requires time to duplicate floor plans unless CAD dwgs
adds more blueprints to set of working drawings

Electrical Plans Example

Size and Drafting the Symbols

As noted on handout (units given below are full size units taken
from the 16 scale)
Size of outlet symbol = 1/8 diameter circle
Size of light fixture symbol = 1/4 diameter circle
Size of fluorescent symbol = 1/8 x 1 (6x48 real size)
Size of switch symbol = 1/8 lettering
Size of push button symbol = 3/16 square
Size of electrical panel = 3/8long and fill 1/2 of wall
Size of meter base, etc. = 1/4 square

Outlets
Symbol
as shown on
plan

Wall View
finished state

Description
explanation

Duplex Outlet with Switch

Appliance vs. Voltage and Symbol

Refrigerator 120 volts

Stove 240 volts
Hood

120 volts

Oven

240 volts

Garbage Disposal 120 volts

R
H
O

Dishwasher 120/240 volts

GD

Appliance vs. Voltage and Symbol

Clothes washer

120 volts

Clothes dryer

240 volts

Air Conditioner 120/240 volts

Water heater 240 volts
Furnace120/240 volts

AC
WH
F

Light
Fixtures
Ceiling/Wall
fixtures
surface
recessed

Fan (exhaust)
Junction box
Fluorescent fixtures

Switches

Single Switch
3-way Switch
4-way Switch
Dimmer Switch
Timer Switch

Electrical Symbols - Miscellaneous

Electrical Code/Drafting Practice

Duplex convenience outlets (wall plugs) should be a

maximum of 12 apart. Closer spacing is desirable,
although economy is a factor. Code reads: no point
along a wall is further than 6 from an outlet.
Duplex convenience outlets should be no more than
6 from a corner
There should be a duplex outlet in any usable wall
space over 2 long
Place a (one) duplex outlet in a hallway

Outlet Placement Example

Electrical Code/Drafting Practice

Kitchen /Bathroom areas
usable counter space of 12 & greater require an outlet
outlets are required every 48 of counter space (with new code
text is in error)
note mounting height for outlets above counter (+44)
special purpose outlets for garbage disposal, dishwasher,
separate oven, and hood
range outlet for electric range
GFI or GFCI protection for any outlets in rooms with a water
source.

Switch/Outlets Examples

Switching Examples

Switching
Switch symbol and
fixture are connected
with a dashed line
using a irregular
curve
Single Switching
3-Way Switching
4-Way Switching

Switching an Outlet

Switching a Porch Light

+(MOUNTING
HEIGHT)

Electrical Plan Example

Special Project Elect Plans (50 Points)

Add electrical symbols and all electrical
information to your plans:
Foundation plan (3 light +switch, one outlet and
special purpose outlet for water heater)
First level floor plan (two exterior WP outlets, lights
at all entrances, elect range w/ hood above, garbage
disposal, dishwasher outlet, and washer/dryer outlets)
Second level floor plan (exhaust fans in bathrooms, 3way switch to 1st floor for stair light)
Complete an electrical schedule (10 points) for all the
symbols used similar to one shown in Handout

Electrical
Symbol Schedule
Purpose of schedule
is to identify and
describe electrical
symbols used in the
set of working
drawings
Categories
Symbols
Descriptions